A US state department spokesman said it had received no formal word of the dismissal and described the accusations against Mr Goldberg as "baseless".

Bolivia has seen large protests in recent weeks by opponents of Mr Morales' economic and social policies.

"The ambassador of the United States is conspiring against democracy and wants Bolivia to break apart," Mr Morales said, in a speech at the presidential palace in La Paz.

The president said the foreign minister would inform Mr Goldberg that he "should return to his country at once".

Mr Morales did not say what evidence he had to support his allegation but claimed to have the government's backing.

The US embassy on its website said that Mr Goldberg was in a meeting with the Bolivian Foreign Minister, David Choquehuanca, when he was informed that President Morales had declared him persona non grata.

The statement said Mr Goldberg was surprised at Mr Morales' "sudden decision" and that the embassy was waiting for an official diplomatic communication, as required by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Brazil concern

The announcement comes after several weeks of demonstrations by groups opposing Mr Morales.

Protesters have been blocking roads and occupying buildings in eastern regions, which are home to Bolivia's important natural gas reserves.

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